STAWELL ballet dancer, Darcie West has relocated to Germany in pursuit of her dream of one day becoming a ballet teacher.
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Darcie's dream commenced in Stawell, firstly as a member of the calisthenics and gymnastic clubs, then later as a member of the Dynamic Dance School in Ararat.
After showing potential under the guidance of Christine Carey, Donna McKenzie and Laura Waters three years ago, Darcie realised she would need to attend daily lessons to further strengthen her technique and follow her dream of teaching ballet.
With support of her mother Kristine and father David, she enrolled in a Melbourne boarding school, providing her with an opportunity to study dance in the afternoons and weekends with the Melbourne School of Classical Dance (MSCD) in Fitzroy under the guidance of Kate Reilly.
The sixteen year old completed three years with MSCD, including one and a half years of the pre-professional Steps to Success program. This required her to complete her year 10 study by distance education.
MSCD supported Darcie in gaining a full-tuition scholarship at Mannheim Academy of Dance, Germany where she will study her Bachelor of Dance under the direction of world-renowned ballerina, Birgit Keil.
Darcie has now been in Germany for one month and she is loving it.
"I know the hard moments are coming, but I consider that I am at least now half way through the tunnel, just needing to continue on," Darcie said.
"Eventually, my dreams of teaching dance may become a reality.
"Anything in life is achievable just believe in yourself and strive to do your best."